By Peace Erewunmi

Minister of Defence Christopher Musa has accused former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai of deliberately planning the killing of people in Southern Kaduna during his time in office.

Musa made the allegation on Thursday, September 3, 2026, while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he discussed the security situation in Kaduna State and the lingering impact of violence in Southern Kaduna.

The Defence Minister described the atmosphere in Kaduna during El-Rufai’s administration as “toxic,” alleging that the former governor’s policies deepened divisions between northern and southern communities in the state.

According to Musa, residents from Southern Kaduna had difficulties living in parts of northern Kaduna, while some residents from the northern part of the state moved south during the period.

Musa also alleged that the killings recorded in Southern Kaduna during the period left residents deeply traumatised.

“We can never be happy with somebody who has deliberately planned for the killing of our people,” the minister said, while also referring to statements he attributed to El-Rufai about his administration’s dealings with bandits.

The minister contrasted the situation with the administration of current Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, whom he credited with making efforts to rebuild unity and improve relations between communities.

Musa further urged Nigerians to reject politicians who use religion, ethnicity or other differences to divide the country.

The allegations against El-Rufai remain claims made by the Defence Minister and have not been independently established as fact. Reports reviewed also indicated that El-Rufai and his media team had yet to publicly respond to the latest accusations.